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Lunch and Learn Sessions

This year, the Program Committee has selected 11 Lunch and Learn sessions. Unless otherwise specified, participants should bring lunch with them as lunch will not be provided.

Outreach and Educational Program Assessment and Evaluation
Organizer: Kristine Callis-Duehl

Sunday, November 11
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Entomology education and outreach programs struggle to assess programmatic impact. A combination of validated quantitative and qualitative assessments must support program evaluation. We will discuss the selection and use of existing assessments and the development and validation of new tools.

Looking for your competitive advantage in finding a job after graduation? The goal of our workshop is to acquaint graduate students and faculty advisors with opportunities available in graduate school that could be utilized to increase skill set of graduate students and prepare them to apply for different jobs after finishing graduate school. Our panelist will focus creating an interactive session discussing various opportunities in research, teaching and extension for graduate students while in graduate school as well as ‘things to do’ at various levels of graduate school that enhance the skill set and the chances of finding a job. Hear from our panelists of entomologists in finding a job in academia, industry and government and discuss the emerging challenges in graduate school and today’s job search climate.

Down with Publish or Perish! Nontraditional Careers in Entomology
Organizer: Esther Serrano

Monday, November 12
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

An introduction to non-traditional careers suitable for trained researchers and academics in the field of regulatory entomology. We begin with a Q&A session to a panel of individuals representing diverse agencies and career paths.

Participants will learn how they can help shape ESA science policy – as participants on writing teams, hosting local advocacy activities, or as science policy fellows. After short panel presentations, participants will discuss their ideas for ESA science policy. This discussion will help lay the foundation for 2019 science policy.

Lunch and Listen: What is the Future of ESA and Where Do I Belong?
Organizer: Sherry Marts

Monday, November 12
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Recent events and proposed changes have made many question where they fit in the future of the Society. Rumors, #metoo, newsletters, and the urgency of Twitter amplify emotions as we reflect on own member experiences. ESA is wide and diverse. How do we continue to stay relevant, evolve, and serve the future of the science? Join ESA leadership for afternoon tea to hear what members are thinking as we shape ESA’s future to lead the next generation of entomologists and share why we are proud be to members.

An Image is Worth a Thousand Words: Science Visualization and Communication for Entomological Research
Organizer: Jacquelyn Whisenant

Monday, November 12
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

An image is worth a thousand words, and that is especially important for communication today. Data Visualization for public accessibility is how you ensure that people are aware of and interested in your work. Techniques for infographic design, "splash" images for media, programs to use, and other options.

Rachael will review curriculum for her undergraduate-level course titled "Insect pollinators and real-world science". Many students started the class afraid of insects. By the end, they were enamored with insects, and appreciative of services insects provide. Rachael will demonstrate two activities that engaged undergraduates, and highlight tips for facilitating discussion.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides many opportunities for funding basic research and training in ecology and evolution, behavior and physiology, collections, and a variety of related disciplines. Covered topics will include the new 'no deadline model' within the Directorate for Biological Sciences and other funding opportunities.

Peer review invitations are a fact of life for scientists. Our panel of experienced reviewers and editors will provide advice on speeding up the process of writing a review, focusing on the most important aspects of a paper, and writing reviews that result in higher quality papers.

A Cross-Border Approach for Assessing the Risk of Pesticides to Bees in Canada and the U.S.
Organizers: Connie Hart, Reed Johnson, Bridget O'Neill, and Thomas Steeger

Wednesday, November 14
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

In this session, you will learn how Health Canada’s PMRA and U.S. EPA developed a process to evaluate risk of pesticides to bees. The basic elements of risk assessment, required toxicity studies, methods to predict exposure to bees, higher-tier studies and their role in refining risk assessments will be discussed.

Breaking Down the Proverbial Wall: Using Effective Mentoring to Maximize Working Relationships
Panelists: Donna Dean and Cindy Simpson

Wednesday, November 14
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

This lunch-and-learn will help entomologists identify the most effective strategies for networking and mentoring, and actively adopt them to maintain positive working relationships. This workshop primarily targets early career professionals who may simultaneously be both mentees and mentors, as well as anyone navigating the newfound responsibility of mentorship.

Certifications: What There Is and How It Helps
Panelists: Elizabeth Dykstra, Jim Fredericks, Shripat Kamble, and Angela M. Tucker

Wednesday, November 14
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Early career and established professionals can benefit from continued learning and new credentials, but it takes time, effort, and has to be “worth it”. Therefore, we will showcase a range of entomologists who have gotten and maintained extra credentials like a BCE and how their careers have benefited.